Pro F-35 rally planned for Sunday

Supporters of bringing the F-35 to the Vermont National Air Guard base are stepping up their campaign. They will hold a rally Sunday at the Sheraton on Williston Road.

This spring, the Pentagon is expected to announce whether the new fighter jet will replace the Air Guard’s current fleet of F-16s.

“It’s an event you know to say 'thank you' to the Vermont Air Guard, because of the fact that you know this process, I think it probably has weighed on them,” said Nicole Citro of the group Green Ribbons for the F-35.

Citro’s group has spread 2,000 ribbons across Chittenden County, representing support of bringing the plane to Vermont.

Sunday’s rally could be the biggest by supporters yet.

A dozen sponsors, including Myers Container Service, are backing the event.

“It really comes down to the economy and supporting our guard and our guardsmen and our military,” said Joe Sinagra, a spokesman for the company.

Myers is headquartered right behind the guard base. They believe the new jet means bigger business, and having no jet would be detrimental to the economy, Sinagra said.

“If that means putting our name on a flier that may rub a few people the wrong way, that's unfortunate,” Sinagra said.

Rally organizers added they hope no one feels ashamed to publicly support them.

“This is your community,” Citro said. “If you want to support those in the community. don't shy away from something just because of the fact that there's been some talk from the other side.”

NewsChannel 5 reached out to other sponsors. At least one did not want to partake in the story, saying some of its clients and customers do not want to see the jet come to Vermont.

South Burlington City Council Chair Rosanne Greco, an F-35 opponent and a 30-year veteran of the military, said she worked all those years so that people would have the freedom to rally for whatever they wish.

Greco added while she supports the Air Guard, she does not support the F-35, and is concerned not only on its impact to area homes and the environment, but also how much it will cost the country.

The rally is slated for 2 p.m. Sunday at the Sheraton in South Burlington.

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